Community Development Officer - Kitale at Water Mission

What is the opportunity?

The Community Development Officer will report to the Community Development Manager and or acting Regional Manager in Kitale. The general assignment for this position is to become completely versed with Water Mission-oriented Community Development practices to be able to implement and support the communities we serve in a variety of settings and providing support for any aspect of the Mission of the organization where possible. The role will play a key function of inspiring and nurturing the communities to proactively engage the key stakeholders, including but not limited to the Safe Water Committees, government/ institutional-led agencies, other partners among others. The overall goal is to increase awareness of the need to implement sustainable, safe water solutions that positively impact the global water crisis. This position will be based in Kitale, Kenya. 

Our culture: As an employee of Water Mission Kenya, the Community Development Officer is  responsible for developing a biblical worldview culture that leads to God-honoring excellence in all their work and reinforcing the following: providing accurate data, empowering staff to have the skills and mindsets needed to acknowledge mistakes or problems as opportunities to find appropriate solutions, and  empowering staff to consistently work for excellence in solutions that are consistent with Water Mission’s mission, vision, values, and standards.

The Community Development Officer will: -

General Responsibilities:

1. Maintain a strong Christian witness and model servant leadership to colleagues, partners, the communities we serve, and the public. 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Facilitate community health and hygiene programs.
2. Participate in identification and assessment of potential communities for implementation of WASH interventions
3. Partner with communities to set up Safe Water Committees and identify relevant key players in the management of Safe Water Projects. 
4. Train Safe Water Committee officials and WASH promoters on their respective roles and responsibilities. 
5. Administer accounting and reporting sheets for the communities to use ensuring compliance to sustainability guidelines.
6. Mobilize, monitor and support the Safe Water Committees to ensure that they do what is expected of them for project sustainability.
7. Work closely with the technical teams to ensure all aspects of Community Development are properly addressed in project implementation.
8. Work closely with the Project Manager to prepare professional reports for donors.
9. Networking and collaboration with partners and government officials including, but not limited to, the Ministry of Water, County department of Water, Sub-County Water Officers, and local Government leadership while maintaining good working relationships.
10. Plan, participate in, and report on project assessment, community mobilisation, WASH promotion, commissioning, and follow-ups within Rural Water Cooperative projects. 
11. Continuously receive, report, and address feedback from the Safe Water Project stakeholders namely but not limited to the community and county government representatives.
12. Report on the progress of projects through back-to-office reports, project monthly financials, follow-up reports, testimonials, and photography.
13. Maintain documentation for the Safe Water Projects on existing organization platforms like Assetas, M-Water and in individual project files
14. Any other duty as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

What is required

1. Alignment with WM’s Statement of Faith and core values of Love, Excellence, and Integrity.
2. Personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
3. Alignment with Water Mission’s Statement of Faith and core values of Love, Excellence, and Integrity.
4. Bachelor’s degree required: Degree in Community Development, Project Management, or any relevant Social Science.
5. 3+ years of relevant experience.
6. Proficiency in English, Swahili, and any local language.
7. Computer literacy.
8. Effective report writing skills.
9. Good mobilization and capacity building skills of communities
10. Ability to engage stakeholders i.e., communities, government, and local partners in project-related work.
11. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including articulating ideas and feedback constructively.
12. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a team.
13. Ability to travel domestically for up to 2 consecutive weeks.
14. Ability to drive for long hours over rough terrain.
15. Local qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.
16. Authorization to work in Kenya without sponsorship.